Explores the vibrant culture of the modern Arab World, including poetry, novels, theater, television, film, art, architecture, food, folklore, music, humor, reality TV, social media, and the blogosphere, in short, everything that makes Arabs Arab.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeProfessor Reynolds is by far the best professor I've had at UCSB. He is so knowledgeable about Middle Eastern culture and his lectures are always interesting and informative. He is genuinely so passionate about what the content he teaches which makes learning the material that much more enjoyable and fun. Definitely would recommend taking his class
I was not a fan of literature, but professor Reynolds made this class really interesting. I learned a lot, and he gave a lot of extra credits. There are a lot of readings, but they are all fun to read, and not really technical. Although attendance is not mandatory, he gives pop quizzes in lecture, so be aware of that.
Professor Reynolds' lectures are very engaging and fun, and it's clear that he's very knowledgeable about his specialty. The readings are varied and none are too long. He also offers a lot of opportunities for extra credit.
The fact that Prof. Reynolds has spent so much time abroad in the Middle East makes his lectures particularly interesting and eye opening. The class isn't very hard to do well in and it feels like they know most people take it for a GE. Very interesting and fun GE to learn about Middle Eastern culture and literature!
Prof is v passionate and a good lecturer! Might get boring, but its worth it to go that's how you learn half the material. the rest is based on readings/books we read, which you'll have to buy. Pop quizzes in lecture sometimes, but if you read you're good. Couple papers, but TAs will help before due date if you reach out. plenty of extra credit!
Professor Reynolds is very kind and passionate about what he teaches. I have never had such a passionate professor and he is very approachable. He gives study guides for the midterm and final and also posts the lectures online. However you should attend lecture as he does give pop quizzes. There is reading but not too much. Highly recommend!